Manager, Quality & NPI

ABOUT FILTRONA

Filtrona is the only global, independent market leader in the design, testing and manufacturing of specialist filter solutions and related scientific services. With a head office in Singapore, Filtrona has 9 manufacturing facilities across Europe, America, and Asia, together with 2 Innovation Centres, an accredited laboratory and a Centre of Excellence focused on sustainability. The Company has over 2,000 employees serving customers across 120 countries.

Our purpose is to support partners to transform and benefit from business growth; we succeed when they succeed. Our mission is to be a responsible, customer-focused innovation leader, creating excellence in sustainable solutions for today and tomorrow.

For more information, please visit www.filtrona.com

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for leading and strengthening the site's Quality Management System (QMS), ensuring product compliance, driving continuous improvement, and supporting customer satisfaction. Additionally, this role oversees filter design development, product customization, and the full lifecycle of New Product Introduction (NPI) from concept to commercial production.

Quality Management System (QMS)

Develop, implement, and maintain the ISO-aligned Quality Management System.

Ensure adherence to all quality procedures, regulatory requirements, and internal standards.

Lead internal and external audits; coordinate corrective and preventive actions (CAPA).

Maintain quality documentation, process controls, and SOPs.

Coordinate with process owners and the General Manager to organize and facilitate Management Review Meetings.

Ensure Management Review Meetings are conducted in accordance with the defined frequency and requirements.

Prepare and distribute the meeting minutes to all relevant participants in a timely manner.

Implement applicable Filtrona Global Quality Standards across relevant processes.

Product Quality Assurance

Oversee incoming, in-process, and finished goods inspection activities.

Monitor critical quality parameters of filters (pressure drop, firmness, dimensions,).

Lead root cause analysis (RCA) using tools like 5 Why, Ishikawa, 8D analysis and FMEA.

Manage customer complaints, investigations, and implementation of preventive actions.

Develop and implement comprehensive quality plans covering raw materials, packaging materials, and finished goods across the entire Filtrona business process.

Conduct audits at outsourced storage facilities to ensure compliance with quality, safety, and operational standards.

Manage and resolve in-house product nonconformities through timely investigation, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.

Establish and manage designated quarantine areas for suspected or nonconforming products, ensuring proper control and disposition.

Responsible for preparing, reviewing, and issuing Certificates of Analysis in accordance with customer and regulatory requirements.

Ensure timely calibration of all monitoring and measuring equipment with traceability.

Manage supplier nonconformities, including evaluation, communication, and follow-up on corrective actions.

Manage functional costs and expenditures, including the selection and oversight of contractors and external service providers for instrumentation and calibration services.

Filter Design & Development

Work with customers, commercial teams, and R&D to design and customize cigarette filters (dual filters, capsule filters, flavor filters, triple filters, etc.).

Conduct feasibility studies, prototype development, and performance evaluations.

Optimize designs for manufacturability and cost efficiency.

Maintain specifications, drawings, and product technical files.

Liaise with FIC Filtrona Innovation Center for new filter process design

New Product Introduction (NPI)

Lead the entire NPI process: concept design trials validation launch.

Coordinate machine settings, materials, and process controls required for new designs.

Plan and execute factory trials on KDF2, Positron, JK-capsule, JK-3D, and related machines.

Define quality acceptance criteria, sampling plans, and qualification documentation.

Ensure smooth handover to production with complete process parameters and quality checks.

Continuous Improvement

Drive quality improvement projects to reduce defects, waste, and customer issues.

Monitor quality KPIs (RFT, CPB, complaint rate, process capability, cost of quality).

Implement lean tools (5S, Kaizen, SPC) for process optimization.

Drive the FEM-QIE framework by coordinating cross-functional reviews, facilitating structured problem-solving (5Why, RCA, Ishikawa), and ensuring timely closure of corrective and preventive actions.

Leadership & Collaboration

Lead and develop the Quality team (QC Inspectors, Lab Technicians, Document Controllers).

Collaborate cross-functionally with FIC, Production, Engineering, Commercial, Supply Chain, and HSE teams.

Conduct training programs to enhance employee awareness of quality standards, hygiene practices, and product specifications.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor's degree in engineering, Quality, or relevant technical field.

Minimum 58 years of experience in Quality Management, preferably in tobacco, filters, or FMCG manufacturing.

Experience in filter design, NPI, and machine trials.

Strong knowledge of ISO standards, SPC, MSA, FMEA, CAPA.

Knowledge of TQM and IWS methodologies will be an added asset.

Exposure to Minitab for statistical analysis will be an added advantage.

PREFERRED SKILLS

Industry-specific technical knowledge.

Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills.

Problem solving skills